Using a 4x dvd burner with 2x dvd-r media?

[X-treme]

With my Pioneer A06, if I purchase 2x dvd-r's and set the speed when recording at 2x, will there be any problems?

I understand my burner is made for 4x, but what happens If I set it at optimal speed (4x), but the dvd-r can only record at 2x?

The only reason I'm asking is because I can save alot of money purchasing 2x, and I don't mind waiting the extra time for the burning process. Is there a different liquid or 'layer' used on 4x making them more reliable? What's so the difference if I do choose higher/lower dvd-r recordings?

[bottle-necked]

It's a good idea to find out if your blank media is supported by your burner. Heres a link that may answer that. Just find your burner then look for your media listed. If it's listed then you should be ok.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/meritline/dvd-r-media-4-dvd-burner-recorder.html

The burner may try to use max speed. If you have any trouble you can select 2X.

Good luck.

[aggies11]

The short answer to your question is:

No, there is no problem doing what you are suggesting.


I too have an a06. And infact, my favourite media to date is Maxell 2x DvD-R. Those frosted blue/green labels are just plain sexy

There is no harm in burning slower than the max rating of your burner, providing that the media can handle that burn speed. Obviously 2x media will handle 2x (and 1x) writing speeds.

In general, the consensus would seem to be that the slower you burn, the better results you get (this is by no means a hard and fast rule, and the difference is not that large). So you should be okay.

On a personal side-note: I recently tried some new 4x Maxell media. The labels are a hideous yellow (as opposed to the nice 2x). Just doing some random testing, I encountered an old compaq DVD-ROM drive that would not read the 2x media, but would play the 4x.

So if you don't mind the longer wait times (I am torn on that part) then 2x media is by far fine. (I just picked up two 15packs of more maxell 2x, because I can't seem to find any 4x at the moment)

(PS. I'm not sure if you can try to burn at 4x speed on 2x media. The disc itself contains info to tell the burner what speeds are acceptable. There is a modified firmware to let your write 2x on 1x media, but I've never heard of anything that would allow you to try 4x on 2x. So chances are the burner will automatically use 2x)

Hope that helps,

Aggies